27 suspects arrested in Task Force operation

SoVaNow.com / January 29, 2014

A ten-month investigation by the Tri-County Drug & Gang Task Force into illegal drug distribution and use in the area resulted in the arrests of 27 residents of Charlotte, Lunenburg, Appomattox, and Prince Edward counties over the weekend.

On Friday, 23 adults were taken into custody without incident. Their charges range from illegal distribution of prescription drugs and methamphetamines to child endangerment.

Two more adults and two juveniles were arrested over the weekend. Of the 27 persons charged, all but one are being held at the Charlotte County Jail. The remaining suspect is being held at the Piedmont Regional Jail.

Cassie L. Thompson: Distribution of Controlled Substance, Distribution of Controlled Substance in a School Zone, and Child Endangerment

Charlotte County Sheriff Thomas Jones called the arrests “a wake-up call” for residents of Charlotte County and neighboring jurisdictions.

“The presence of meth and prescription drug abuse in our region endangers countless lives, young and old. Meth labs explode. Meth is highly-addictive and exposes children to severe abuse and neglect, as evident in the charges among those arrested over the weekend. Law enforcement will do its job to investigate and arrest illegal drug dealers, but residents need to report suspected drug activity in order for us to effectively safeguard our communities,” said Jones.

Law enforcement officers are still searching for a 28th suspect, Billy Jack Hopper, 29, of Charlotte Courthouse. Hopper is wanted for distribution of methamphetamine. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to please call the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 434-542-5141 or Virginia State Police at 434-385-7128.